The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Summary:
The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.
When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?
Nina considers her options
Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.)
Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee).
Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)
It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
Nina is quirky, fun, and knows what she likes. And as someone who can have some obsessive-compulsive behaviors when it comes to scheduling, I related so well to her struggles to balance new things all warring for her time. The introduction of the various characters and family members were hilarious. I really appreciated Waxman’s characters because they were all clearly developed with their own interests and motivations. She is able to make things emotional, but also light-hearted as they address their various struggles.
Of course, I’m bias in reading this book as a clear bookworm, but I think it will still appeal to anyone who has a fandom they are passionate about.
Side note: I would 100% read a follow up book about Clare too!
Warning: Contains some sexual content.
Rating: 5 stars!
Who should read it? Bookworms and those who enjoy a read about coming into your own.